Whole Chia Seed or Milled Chia Seed - more proof they work the same in the body

A study just published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported on a clinical trial in which whole chia seeds and milled chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L) were incorporated at three levels and then baked into bread.

The clinical trial found all chia amounts to reduce blood glucose levels compared to the control.  The three levels of chia, 7, 14 and 24 g showed significant main effect of dose (amount of chia), but no effect of form (milled vs whole chia). 

In each case chia reduced bloo glucose iAUCs by 20, 28 and 35% respectively.

Once again there is proof that the decision on whether to eat whole chia seed or milled chia seed should be decided on consumer preference, and not be based on myths or false claims.

Whole Chia Seed or Milled Chia Seed?

There is increasing discussion about the benefits of whole chia seed, compared to milled chia seed.

Some argue that whole chia seed will simply pass through the body leaving you with little to no benefit with all the components simply excreted.

This is definitely the case for flaxseed since it has a very hard seed coat. Unless the seed is opened, sprouted, cooked etc. and the coat opened, it will pass through the body.

Chia seed, on the other hand, has a soft seed coat. The omega3 fatty acid in the seed being protected by the natural antioxidants it contains, rather than being protected by a hard seed coat, as in the case of flaxseed.

Now some people have said I looked in the toilet and saw the seeds.  No that is not what they are seeing, rather it is the seed coat which is the insoluble part of the seed.  If one were to carefully examine the remains it would be a hollow incomplete shell.

In theory it would make sense that opening the seed would expose more of the inside of the seed to the stomach so that the benefits could be gained.  It may be true that it might act a bit faster, but that is about it.

Why do I say the seeds do not need to be milled to be taken advantage of? 

There are just way too many people that have consumed only whole chia seeds and have seen remarkable changes in cholesterol, weight loss, less joint pain, lessened glycemic spikes, more energy, etc.  I doubt these people are making up their unsolicited stories to please the world.  They are simply telling the world how well whole chia seed has helped them.

Wayne

Dr Oz and chia seeds

Chia lovers and those new to this seed.

Did you see Dr. Oz's show yesterday?

 He was talking about what he considers to be his 5 Miracle Solutions from around the Globe.  Chia seed was number 2! He talked about how chia can help with weight loss by controlling hunger pangs as it tends to give you the feeling of being full.  He had two women that he asked to try chia seeds and both of them said it worked very well for them as they had lessened hunger pangs, and actually wanted to eat less at dinner.

His recipe for success.  Take two tablespoons in the morning in water after breakfast and if you like, take two more later in the day.

One thing he stressed was to buy whole or raw (meaning non processed, milled, cooked, etc) seeds.

I agree totally with the whole seed use, however if you have problems with seeds, such as with diverticulitis, then use the milled form, otherwise stick to whole seeds.

Have you had your chia today?

Obesity and Chia

A recent study in Australia with obese rats was conducted to assess chia's potential benefit in helping to protect the heart and liver.

Following the first 8 weeks of the trial in which rats were fed a high carbohydrate high fat diet, chia was added at the rate of 5% of the ration. Rat weight and plasma composition was recorded after 8 weeks of chia supplementation.

At the conclusion of the trial ALA, DHA and EPA contents of the plasma significantly increased compared to the control group.  In addition, the rats showed improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, as well as reduced cardio and hepatic inflammation without changes in blood pressure.

The authors concluded that chia as a source of ALA induces lipid redistribution associated with cardioprotection and hepatoprotection.

What does this mean: Chia can provide heart and liver protection, especially when dealing with obesity.

Have you had your chia today? ^®